pipe dream

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

WSJ explores whether data centers in space are a pipe dream or AI’s next big thing.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

“It was a pipe dream for so long … the notion that we would get a subway to the Westside,” Yaroslavsky said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

The oil-futures market thinks oil will fall from $98 a barrel today to $80 by September and $75 by Christmas — but that may be a pipe dream.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

Yes, you could argue that the inconsistency is on the field, but it is a pipe dream to expect overall consistency when every situation is slightly different.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

“Oh! And some nice pink papier hygiénique!” she added fervently, and we both laughed at that pipe dream.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver